Iodine Side Effects, Risks & Safe Supplemental Dosages

Iodine is a trace chemical element that plays several important roles in human health. As a dietary supplement, it is safe for most people to take and usually does not cause negative side effects.

When levels of this chemical are too low in the body, it can result in depression, irritable mood, impaired mental faculties, infertility, obesity as well as the development of goiters.

As the body cannot synthesize this mineral on its own, iodine must be gained from food sources or from dietary supplements. Iodine supplements are available in oral and topical varieties.

When Iodine side effects are experienced, the most common include headache, diarrhea, nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth.

At appropriate dosages, the majority of users report no adverse effects. However, use of this supplement may be contraindicated for some groups of people and it may cause interactions with certain medications.

NMCD states that iodine has also been studied for preventing ocular disease, certain types of cancer, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is also used as an expectorant and for water purification.

Most of the common uses for iodine have not been conclusively demonstrated in clinical studies. Researchers continues to develop the scientific understanding of iodine and its biological mechanisms in the body.

Swallowing topical iodine supplements can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, nausea, thirst and/or vomiting. It may also cause the person to not be able to urinate efficiently or at all.

Not all side effects of iodine are known. You could have a reaction to an iodine supplement that has not been previously reported. If you feel this may be the case, then you should seek medical advice as soon as you can.

Consumers of iodine supplements are able to report side effects to the US FDA. Do not ingest topical iodine supplements, and contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if you accidently do.

Oral Iodine Side Effects

There are several types of oral iodine supplements. The most common are potassium iodide (KI), sodium iodide (NaI), Lugol’s solution, nascent iodine and radioactive iodine.

Oral consumption of iodine is usually not associated with negative effects. However, various side effects can occur in some cases as well as interactions with medications, herbal supplements and health conditions.

One clinical study examined the side effects of potassium iodide when used for cutaneous sporotrichosis. [1] The following results were reported:

14% of users experienced abdominal pain;

14% of users experienced nausea;

11% of users experienced rhinorrhea;

7% experienced headache;

4% experienced metallic taste;

4% experienced diarrhea;

Another study reported that these side effects can normally be kept to a minimum by avoiding rapid dosage increases. [2]

Possible iodide side effects also include developing hypersensitivity to this mineral supplement. Some of the symptoms of iodine hypersensitivity include fever, hemorrhage and lymph node enlargement. [2]

Other possible side effects of iodine hypersensitivity include rapid swelling of subcutaneous tissue (angioedema) – and a rare blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. [2]

Other possible iodine side effects include inflamed tonsils, larynx and pharynx. Depression, anorexia and acneiform skin lesions have also been reported.

Iodine Safety Review

According to the Food and Nutrition Board, “Iodine is safe in amounts that do not exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 1100 mcg daily.”. Higher doses are used safely with medical supervision.

The US RDA for iodine is 155 micrograms (mcg) daily. However, there is debate in the medical community about this recommendation. Some health professionals feel that it should be higher to facilitate “total body iodine sufficiency”, not simply to prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid).

In some parts of the world, the average daily diet provides many times more iodine than the established UL.

For instance, in Japan, people regularly consume between 500 and 13000 mcg/day of iodine. No side effects are associated with these intake levels. [3]

Appropriate use of iodine is considered Likely Safe in children, as well as in women who are pregnant and nursing. You should talk to your doctor about the best dosage of iodine for you.

MECHANISM: Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones control various body functions, including growth, development, and metabolic rate. Iodine also has been shown to have immune boosting and antioxidant effects.

SIDE EFFECTS: Iodine is rated as Likely Safe when used orally or topically and appropriately. Generally well tolerated; mild side effects include nausea, stomach pain, runny nose, headache, diarrhea, and rash (when used topically).

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